“Where are we going? You know I don’t like to leave Toi home by herself too long,” Stori noted.
“I know baby but we won’t be too long,” Nas said as he pulled up to their destination.
“Seriously Naseem? I’m almost six months pregnant with two babies. You know damn well I can’t get no tattoo,” Stori fussed.
“Get your whining ass out of the car,” Nas laughed.
When Stori reached for the handle, he slapped her hand and jumped out of the car to open her door. He grabbed her hand and walked her up the steps to the tattoo shop. The place was fairly empty but it was still early. Usually, they would have to start a sign-in sheet and he wasn’t in the mood to deal with a crowd. Nas smiled when he saw the owner and the other man’s smile was just as bright.
“Man, I must be seeing things. Where your crazy ass been hiding at? It’s been a minute.” Bryce smiled as he walked over and embraced Nas.
“I pass through to holla at that nigga Jaden all the time. You don’t be open most of the time though,” Nas replied.
Bryce and Jarvis were cool and had been for years. His wife, Taylor, used to do Latrice’s hair until she stopped working. Bryce’s younger brother, Jaden, was a barber and he was who taught Nas most of what he knew. Nas worked under him for a while until he became a licensed barber. Jaden had chilled out over the years but Nas and Remo made sure to stay in touch with him. He always said that the twins reminded him of himself when he was younger. They were wild and crazy just like he used to be. Bryce and Jarvis still hung out too and it was always love between all of them.
“How you doing sweetheart?” Bryce said as he reached his hand out to Stori.
“I’m fine, thank you.” Stori smiled.
“Baby, this is Jaden’s brother, Bryce. This is my girl, Stori, and our sons,” Nas said as he rubbed her stomach.
“Sons? Y’all are having twins?” Bryce asked.
“Yep.” Nas smiled brightly.
“Nas and Remo all over again. You’re in my prayers baby girl,” Bryce said as he shook his head. He remembered all too well how much shit the twins used to get into. They damn near drove Jarvis crazy and it was a miracle that he didn’t have a nervous breakdown. He knew that Nas had a baby on the way but Jarvis never told him that it was twins.
“Don’t tell her that shit bruh. I don’t need her to start up with all that crying again,” Nas replied.
“What you getting today bruh?” Bryce asked as he pulled up a chair for Stori to sit down.
“You got some lipstick baby?” Nas asked as he looked at Stori.
“Yeah, why?” she asked while looking at him sideways.
“Put some on,” Nas requested.
“For what Naseem?” Stori asked.
“Because that’s my tattoo,” he replied, confusing her even more.
“Oh, okay. You have to put on some lipstick and kiss the paper for the tattoo that he wants,” Bryce explained.
Stori did what they asked her to do but she was still confused. She and Nas made small talk with Bryce until he was ready to do the tattoo. Once it was done, Stori smiled when she saw the finished product. Nas had gotten a tattoo of her lips on his neck with her name underneath it. The colors showed up great on his light colored skin and she loved it.
“You like it baby?” Nas asked when he saw her admiring his ink.
“I love it.” Stori smiled, right as someone else walked into the shop.
“Nigga, I thought you faked me out,” Nas said as Jaden walked over to them. Stori had already met him and his wife before, so she smiled and waved at him.
“I had to duck my granddaughter man. Nigga can’t even leave the house without her ass no more,” Jaden laughed.
“Don’t listen to that nigga. He got that baby spoiled rotten,” Bryce laughed.
“You ready to drop them boys?” Jaden asked as he looked over at Stori.
“Hell no,” she replied as they all laughed.
Nas paid Bryce what he owed him before he and Stori walked outside with Jaden.
“Did you handle that for me?” Nas asked him.
“Yeah man. That nigga is on board. He just got laid off so this shit is right on time. I gave him your number and he said he’s gonna call you tonight,” Jaden replied.
“Good looking fam.” Nas nodded.
“Nah bruh, I appreciate you and Remo for showing love. That’s my favorite uncle, so I got him regardless. I know he would feel better if he was making his own money though,” Jaden said.
Nas and Remo had been going crazy trying to find somebody else to help manage their club. When Nas called Jaden a few nights ago, he told him about his uncle Shaq being laid off from his job. Nas knew Shaq very well and he was just what they needed to help Bee out at the strip club. Jaden thought it was a good idea and he was happy that Shaq was on board.
“You know we don’t fuck with too many people,” Nas pointed out.
He stood out there and talked with Jaden for a while until Remo called. He and Kalani were getting food and coming over to the house to chill. When Nas and Stori pulled up, Remo and Kalani were just getting out of the car. They all walked into the house together and sat in the front room.
“Look at this bullshit,” Kalani fussed as she handed Stori an envelope.
“What is this?” Stori questioned.
“I gave this nigga my hand in marriage and he gave me a pink slip,” Kalani fumed.
“You fired my friend?” Stori asked while looking over at Remo.
“I don’t want my wife being a bartender at a strip club,” Remo replied nonchalantly.
“I was a bartender when I was your girl,” Kalani noted. “You fucking up my money.”
“So the fuck what Kalani! It ain’t like you pay no damn bills. The fuck you getting mad for? Besides, I told you that I need you to help out with something else,” Remo said.
“Whatever Kareem. You can be prepared to be the only income in the household too nigga,” Kalani argued.
“I’m already the only income in the household. I don’t see a dime of your money,” Remo replied.
“Ooh Nas, I love your haircut,” Kalani cooed as she ignored her husband.
“The fuck you mean you love his haircut? So what, you don’t like the dreads no more?” Remo frowned.
“Yes baby, I love the dreads too,” Kalani said as she rolled her eyes.
“Yeah okay. The fuck happened to your eye bro?” Remo asked as he looked at the fading purple colored bruise under his brother’s eye.
“The fuck you think happened?” Nas countered as he looked at Stori.
“Aye girl, you better calm your wild ass down. I’m not gon’ keep sending my brother back into this abusive situation,” Remo said seriously as he looked at Stori.
“Tell him to keep his hoes and ex hoes in line and he wouldn’t be getting beat,” Stori said as Kalani laughed.
“You good bro? Domestic violence is not okay. You need to speak up,” Remo said, as Nas laughed.
“You got another tattoo Nas? I love it.” Kalani smiled as she looked at his new artwork.
“You loving all kind of shit today, huh?” Remo asked as he looked at her and frowned. He had her name in big bold letters going down his arm, so he wasn’t surprised to see that Nas had gotten Stori’s name too.
“Aye bro, I just talked to Jaden and Shaq is with it. All we have to do now is find somebody to manage the hair spot and we’re all good,” Nas said.
“We already got somebody for that,” Remo said as he looked at Kalani.
“Wow. When were you going to tell me?” Kalani asked.
“I’m telling you right now. I don’t want you working at night no more. You need to be at home in bed with your husband,” Remo replied.
“Facts,” Nas said while nodding his head.
“Fine and, since we’re making demands, I want your hair cut. I’m sick of the dreads,” Kalani snapped as she rolled her eyes.
“What?” Remo mumbled like he was in shock.
“I got you, bro,” Nas said as he laughed at the expression on Remo’s face. His brother loved his dreads but, for Kalani, he knew that they were about to go.
“Okay, now that all of that is settled, what did y’all get to eat?” Stori asked.
Toi came downstairs and they all sat in the front room eating and watching movies. Once they were done, Kalani cleaned up their mess while Nas gave Remo a cut that was exactly like his. He loved it but, even more than that, he loved that he and Nas were identical once again.
S tori took pride in her work and she was never one to rush on a customer. There was a first time for everything and she found herself moving a little faster than usual. It was still early but it was dark outside. She wasn’t expecting Nas home so soon on a Saturday, but he was in their bed butt ass naked waiting for her. Stori was on her last customer and she had already turned off her sign. Toi was staying the weekend with their grandmother and she was ready to lay up with her man for the rest of the night.
“Thanks Stori, I love it. I’ll see you in two weeks,” her client said as she looked at her hair in the mirror.
“You’re welcome boo. See you in two weeks,” Stori replied, right as her phone rang.
She collected her payment and waved to her customer as she answered the phone for Toi.
“Hey Stori,” Toi said as soon her big sister answered for her.
“Hey, my Stanka. What are you doing?” Stori asked as she made her way up the stairs.
“Nothing, but grandma and mommy just had a fuss,” Toi giggled.
“For what?” Stori asked as she opened the fridge and grabbed some strawberries. She knew that Nas was upstairs waiting for her but she wanted to hear what Toi had to say first.
“Mommy called me and we were talking. She heard grandma talking in the background and she told me to tell her hello. Grandma called her an unfit mother and a gold digging tramp and they started arguing. Grandma snatched the phone from me and everything,” Toi laughed.
“That old lady needs to stop,” Stori snickered, right before her grandmother snatched Toi’s phone again.
Stori sat there and listened as her grandmother told the same story that she’d been telling for years. According to her, Stori and Toi were the best things to ever come from Lady. Lorraine always said that Stori’s father went to his grave not knowing that he was dealing with a hoe. Toi’s father knew it because he had her after his brother. Lady was selfish but Stori wouldn’t exactly say that she was unfit. She took care of them financially. She just wasn’t there physically.
“The hell?” Nas questioned when he walked downstairs and saw Stori siting there on the phone. He had been waiting for what felt like forever and she still hadn’t come to the room. He didn’t know if she was still in the shop, so he put his clothes back on so that he could go see.
“I’m sorry boo. Thirty-seven minutes of listening to my grandma call my mama an unfit hoe and I’m over it,” Stori said as she muted the phone.
“Man, I dozed off and everything,” Nas said as he ate some of her fruit.
“I’m about to get rid of her,” Stori promised.
“I hope so,” Nas replied. He laughed when Stori put the call on speaker and he heard some of what her grandmother was saying. Stori kept trying to interrupt but she wouldn’t let her get a word in.
“Okay grandma, Naseem just came home and he wants to talk. Love you and tell my Stanka that I love her too,” Stori said before she was finally able to hang up.
“It’s about damn time. I thought I was gon’ have to beat my shit,” Nas fussed as he picked her up from the bar stool.
Stori grabbed her phone from the counter and wrapped her legs around his body as they kissed and made their way upstairs. When Nas laid her in the bed, he pulled her leggings off right before he removed his shirt. Stori lifted her body up and made it easier for him to remove her underwear. He kissed her belly first and made his way down her body.
“Basement door,” the alarm chimed, halting their movements.
“I thought you were done for the day,” Nas said as he looked at her.
“I am done. My last customer left almost an hour ago,” Stori replied as she grabbed her phone to look at the camera.
“Did you lock the door?” Nas asked as he put his shirt back on.
“Nas! Oh, my God!” Stori screeched.
“What’s wrong?” he asked when he took in the panicked look on her face.
“Look,” Stori said as she showed him her phone.
“Fuck!” Nas bellowed as he saw three masked gunmen downstairs in Stori’s shop.
They were opening drawers and looking to see what was inside. It was an amateur’s move but that bought him some time. Stori jumped up and put her clothes back on right before running to her closet. Nas went under the bed for his gun as he continued to watch the camera.
“Who the fuck is that?” Stori whispered.
“I don’t know baby, but I need you to hide. I don’t give a fuck about what they do to me, but I can’t let nothing happen to you and my boys,” Nas said in a hushed tone.
“Fuck that Naseem! My sons are going to know who their father is. We’re not visiting your grave on Father’s Day and birthdays. Them niggas came into the wrong house today,” Stori fussed as she threw two big ass guns on the bed.
“I love the fuck out of you,” Nas said as he walked over and kissed her.
“I love you too boo,” Stori said as she grabbed two handguns and stood behind the closet door.
“Stay there baby. Whatever you do, don’t come out of the closet. One of them niggas is coming up the steps,” Nas said as he continued to look at the phone.
He wasn’t about to give them a chance to come up to the bedrooms. He was about to meet them niggas halfway. He handed Stori the phone and made sure the guns that she gave him were fully loaded. Stori looked at the phone and held up two fingers, letting him know that two men were coming up the stairs. Nas nodded his head as he crept out of the room. Stori kept looking at the phone and less than a minute later, she heard gunshots rang out. The two men who were coming up the stairs ran for their lives as Nas let his guns rip. The third man who was still in the basement ran out of the house before they even got back down there. One of the other two must have felt brave because he turned around and starting shooting back. Stori gasped when Nas held his side and dropped one of the guns that he was holding.
“Fuck!” she yelled as she bolted from the closet like she wasn’t carrying a double load.
Stori had two guns in her hands as she ran down the stairs and started shooting alongside her man. She hit one of them in the arm and he dropped his gun. Nas hit the other one in the back and he went down briefly. The men were done shooting but Nas and Stori weren’t. They emptied their guns on the two men, hitting them both at least one more time. They left a trail of blood behind as they ran out of the house and away from the hail of bullets.
“Shit,” Nas hissed as he held his bleeding side. He had never been shot before and it felt like fire was traveling through his body.
“Here baby. Apply pressure to it,” Stori said as she grabbed a bunch of towels and pressed them to his side.
“Ahh! Fuck!” Nas groaned in pain.
“I’m sorry baby but I have to make sure you don’t bleed out. I need to get you to a hospital. We can’t call the police,” Stori said as she helped Nas up the basement stairs.
He leaned up against the wall as Stori rushed to her bedroom to get her purse and keys. Remo was calling Nas’ phone, but she didn’t have time to stop and answer it. He seemed to always know when something was wrong and he was right on point that time. When Stori got back to Nas, he was lying on the kitchen floor motionless.
“Nas!” she yelled as she rushed over to him.
“I’m good baby. This shit hurts bad as fuck but I’m still breathing,” he said as he slowly stood to his feet.
Stori helped him to her car in the garage and sped all the way to the hospital. She k
ept apologizing to Nas for what happened because she felt like it was all her fault. She was too careless and everybody always fussed at her about locking up. She had learned the hard way that she should have taken heed to their warnings.
“What do we tell them Nas?” Stori asked as she got closer to the hospital.
“Attempted robbery,” he replied, knowing exactly what she meant.
They didn’t do anything wrong, but Nas didn’t want the police to know what really happened. Whoever was bold enough to come into Stori’s house were as good as dead. Jail was too good of a punishment. Stori was mad with herself but he didn’t blame her. If niggas really wanted to come in there, a locked door nor an alarm was going to stop them. Nothing like that had ever happened to her before, so he knew that he was who they were after. Putting his girl and sons in harm’s way was a mistake that they were going to regret making.
“We’re here baby. I’m going get somebody to come out and help you,” Stori said as she jumped out of the car and ran into the hospital.
A few minutes later, three men came running outside with a stretcher. Stori was told to sit outside in the waiting room while they rushed Nas to the back. She used that time to call Remo and Jarvis to let them know what was up. She also closed her eyes and said a prayer for Nas and whoever was dumb enough to come after him.
Kalani was happy that she was wearing tennis shoes because Remo was dragging her down the hall of the hospital. His intuition was at an all-time high and he had been calling Nas for almost two hours. He and Kalani had just got dressed to go to Stori’s house when she called and told him that Nas was in the hospital. Remo couldn’t even drive and Kalani had to get them there in one piece. He sat on the passenger’s side of the car smoking a blunt and staring out of the window.
“Excuse me but you can’t smoke in here,” one of the nurses said when Remo walked by the nurse’s station.
“Fuck you. Try to stop me,” he snapped as he continued to rush down the hall to where Stori said she was.
“I’m calling security,” the nurse warned.
“Fuck them too! I’m ready for whatever!” Remo yelled as he continued to his destination.
Worst Case Scenario Page 26